...does your
relationship need a crystal ball?
By Maggie Love
Pitman Training London EC2
Managing
your manager has become a hot topic recently but let’s get real, is
it a possibility?
Just imagine for a
minute what would happen if you attempted to boss your boss?
Managers have the authority, responsibility, seniority and power so
they call all the shots…or do they? They probably do, but managing
your manager is really about managing the RELATIONSHIP you have with
your manager, and that’s where the magic comes in.
One definition of magic
from The Concise Oxford Dictionary is “inexplicable or remarkable
influence producing surprising results”. As a PA you are expected to
magic up impossible flights, conjure up reservations, get your boss
out of Houdini-like situations and generally mind read. So most PAs
have already cornered the market in magic and need to consider
urgently using more of it to build a positive and productive
relationship with their bosses. This is critical to ensure you gain
the results that spell promotion, prospects and prosperity!
An excellent
relationship will be founded on trust – trust in your abilities and
judgment. This ensures your boss delegates, communicates and
confides the right stuff to enable you to be proactive and use your
initiative for the best results. It also requires a relationship of
equals and like minds, not always easy if your boss and you are on
different planets. Consider John Gray’s philosophy that “Men are
from Mars, Women are from Venus” and assess the type of person your
boss is. Remember that people don’t always hear you the way you hear
yourself. Work out your boss’s style and mirror that in terms of
pace, formality and attention to detail, for example.
Some of the golden rules
include keeping up to date with company information and objectives,
knowing your boss’s objectives and priorities and networking with
key people who can help. Always exercise discretion, never gossip
and never fully discuss your own personal problems even when asked.
Always put your executive’s priorities first.
Executives tend to put
their time where their anxieties are, so find out current concerns
and prioritise your delivery in these key areas. Be honest and keep
your boss well informed – everyone hates nasty surprises so
anticipating things that could go wrong and taking preventative
action or providing timely solutions make a real difference and
builds trust.
That’s the real magic –
keeping one step ahead so that it all looks calm, simple and in
control!
Want to keep one step
ahead?
Call us on
(
020 7256 668
Pitman Training Centres,
London City or Oxford Circus
10 Top
Secrets !